Chester, SC - $5 Original Fr. 399 The NB of Chester
Ch. # 1804
Likely the most significant South Carolina note to be publicly sold
in the past thirty years, we again have the privilege of offering
this great rarity. Only five Serial Number 1 large size notes are
known from the entire state, one Red Seal, three Blue Seals, and
this, the lone First Charter. In fact, there are only nine recorded
First Charters of all denominations extant from South Carolina,
with this piece being the only Original Series $5 known from the
entire state. Only one other note is known from this bank, which
went out in 1891 after issuing First Charters only, with that piece
grading Very Good and ensconced in a major holding unlikely to be
offered in this lifetime. No example from this bank has ever been
available at public sale before this note was discovered. With
better South Carolina notes finally trading at numbers commensurate
with their true rarity, it remains to be seen whether this
beautiful Very Fine-Extremely Fine example will break the six
figure mark, but if rarity, desirability and condition are any
guide, our estimate might well appear conservative in the extreme.

I would also like to thank your auction company for the promotion of the auction and was pleasantly surprised by the number of bidders who attended, as well as the prices realized. It was a pleasure doing business with you. [ Entire Letter » ]